Ichnological studies in sedimentary rock formations of Kachchh Basin commenced in the late 1970s, despite an allusion to a ‘fossil burrow’ in 1872. Numerous research articles have since been published. Most of them merely record trace fossils from sporadic sites, with an unwarranted plethora of new ichnotaxa, mainly due to lack of total comprehension of ichnotaxonomic norms. Though of late, a few articles concerning definite environmental/stratigraphic issues have become available, it is now time to introspect our work vis-?-vis advancements made by fellow ichnologists. Recognising the potential of trace fossils, novel applications with emphasis on organism behaviour and substrate nature are being discovered, pertaining to various problems prompting a reorientation in our perception. Here, we attempt such an exercise in our observations on Diplocraterion-rich horizons from three localities viz., Gamdau, Khari Nadi north of Bhuj City, and near Dahisara on Bhuj- Mandvi road. They occur in the Bhuj Formation, which otherwise is sparsely fossiliferous. The strata under consideration are thoroughly bioturbated with monogeneric ichnofauna, overlying and underlying beds being barren or sparse in traces. These beds represent colonization windows, in turn linked to changes in hydrodynamic regime. While the monogeneric ichnocoenoses suggest opportunistic taxa (r-selected) typical of inhospitable conditions to most life forms; such assemblages characteristically reflecting brackish conditions, where salinity fluctuations are inherent. Prevailing sedimentary structures, presence of colonization events by opportunistic ichnospecies, changing hydrodynamic conditions, preservation of petrified wood and foliages, and stark absence of animal remains advocate transitional ecological setting such as prevalent in a deltaic set-up.
Insight into an Opportunistic Ichnotaxon from the Lower Cretaceous vis-?-vis Status of Palaeoichnology in Mesozoic of Kachchh
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Ichnological studies in sedimentary rock formations of Kachchh Basin commenced in the late 1970s, despite an allusion to a ‘fossil burrow’ in 1872. Numerous research articles have since been published. Most of them merely record trace fossils from sporadic sites, with an unwarranted plethora of new ichnotaxa, mainly due to lack of total comprehension of ichnotaxonomic norms. Though of late, a few articles concerning definite environmental/stratigraphic issues have become available, it is now time to introspect our work vis-?-vis advancements made by fellow ichnologists. Recognising the potential of trace fossils, novel applications with emphasis on organism behaviour and substrate nature are being discovered, pertaining to various problems prompting a reorientation in our perception. Here, we attempt such an exercise in our observations on Diplocraterion-rich horizons from three localities viz., Gamdau, Khari Nadi north of Bhuj City, and near Dahisara on Bhuj- Mandvi road. They occur in the Bhuj Formation, which otherwise is sparsely fossiliferous. The strata under consideration are thoroughly bioturbated with monogeneric ichnofauna, overlying and underlying beds being barren or sparse in traces. These beds represent colonization windows, in turn linked to changes in hydrodynamic regime. While the monogeneric ichnocoenoses suggest opportunistic taxa (r-selected) typical of inhospitable conditions to most life forms; such assemblages characteristically reflecting brackish conditions, where salinity fluctuations are inherent. Prevailing sedimentary structures, presence of colonization events by opportunistic ichnospecies, changing hydrodynamic conditions, preservation of petrified wood and foliages, and stark absence of animal remains advocate transitional ecological setting such as prevalent in a deltaic set-up.
Publication Mode |
Online |
---|---|
Publication Author |
Kantimati G. Kulkarni, V. D. Borkar |
Publication Language |
English |
Publication Type |
Conference Paper |
Publication Year |
2016 |
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